Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Las Cruces, NM

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) is required to provide services in specialized and complex areas of radiologic technology and/or general diagnostic radiology services. Performs general diagnostic radiography to include, but not limited to, diagnostic x-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, general fluoroscopic examinations both in an outpatient clinic setting and in the operating room environment (C-Arm and portables).

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents ).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable].
• Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
• Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).
• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
• Ability to learn basic computer functions.
• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.
• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.

Nice To Haves

• Creditable experience as a general radiographer and complex fluoroscopic examinations.
• Experience in an operating room setting
• Two or more years stand-alone setting/clinic

Responsibilities

• Properly identifies the patient and associated images to prevent mistaken identity.
• Responsible for assisting patients with safe transfers to and from the examination table, utilizing department-approved mobility equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, and Hoyer lifts, while adhering to all facility and departmental safety protocols.
• Adheres to all VA and departmental policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain the highest standards of patient care and operational integrity
• Performs general diagnostic radiography to include, but not limited to, diagnostic X-rays of all body regions, bone-length examinations, bone surveys, and general fluoroscopic examinations in an outpatient clinic setting and in the operating room environment (C-Arm).
• Ensures patients are properly prepped for each examination, including confirming NPO status when required.
• Provides clear and accurate instructions to patients throughout the procedure to promote safety and optimal imaging results.
• Maintains continuous awareness of the patient's condition, promptly recognizing and responding to any complications or adverse reactions to prevent harm to the patient or equipment.
• Conducts patient interviews, reviews medical history, and verifies that the exam order aligns with the clinical indication; clearly explains the purpose of the study and provides instructions to ensure patient understanding and cooperation; and communicates all relevant history and significant findings to the interpreting radiologist for accurate diagnostic correlation.
• Possesses thorough knowledge of radiographic equipment due to the variety of examinations and contingency planning.
• Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging.
• Troubleshoot equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and performs minor adjustments.
• Exercises extreme caution in handling and safeguarding all radiation-producing equipment.
• Recognizes and reports major equipment malfunctions promptly to the Supervisor or Biomedical Service representative.
• Interprets requests or instructions from radiologists or clinicians, receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations, and works independently.
• Follows departmental policies and procedures and seeks clarification from the radiologist or supervisor when uncommon or unique procedures are required.
• Ensures all images are clear and meet diagnostic quality standards.
• Maintains accurate documentation by tracking, editing, and updating daily logs within the radiographic modality, including manual entry of repeated images when necessary to ensure quality assurance compliance.
• Ensures timely and successful transmission of images to PACS for radiologist interpretation immediately upon completion of the study.
• Responsible for ensuring all radiological equipment is clean and sanitary, and for maintaining adequate stock of supplies, including linens, in assigned rooms.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree